July 19, 2021 | by: Gregg Hunter | 0 comments
Posted in: Psalm 45
Yesterday, we began our study of Psalm 45 by witnessing how revered the king of ancient Israel was. If you haven't already, please read "the Patriotism of Ancient Israel (Part 1 of 2)" before continuing. Today, we will continue the psalm by witnessing how revered the people associated with the king are, particularly those women in the king's court.
Please read Psalm 45:9-17.
In verse 9, the psalmist concludes his address to the king by introducing the women who surround him. Three specific names are given for these women: “daughters of kings,” who serve as “ladies of honor,” and “the queen.”
A lady of honor was a woman who served in the court of the king. They were beautiful, well-dressed, well-read, more educated than any other ladies in the kingdom… and their role was to serve the king and his queen. The king is so great that even his servants come from the best of the best children of other kings! What an honor for the king of Israel! When visitors would come from far away countries, they would enter the king's court and see this display of the most beautiful, smart, and well-mannered women that they have ever seen, and they would honor the king for his incredible subjects.
In verse 10, the focus shifts to address the queen directly. She would have been chosen as queen from one of the daughters of another king. She would have been raised with all the fineries of a princess, in all the luxury of a palace. Yet, compared to Israel’s king, all that she had before should be forgotten. Israel’s king is far greater than everything she experienced before.
If the queen will simply submit to her new king, then she will be showered with more gifts than all the finest merchants can buy. She will be given the finest clothes, the finest servants, and the privilege of being ushered into the presence of the king “with joy and gladness.”
The psalmist concludes in verse 16 by switching his address back to the king. As great as the king of Israel is, the psalmist prays that his sons will be even greater. May the kingdom continue to expand until Israel’s children are “princes in all the earth.”
While Israel is content to worship her king, she desires for the entire world to join in her worship. Israel will sing the song of the king over and over, which will “cause your name to be remembered in all generations.” As the nation of Israel continues to grow, eventually all nations will praise their wonderful king. Or at least, that’s the desire of the patriots of Israel.
COMMENTS FOR THIS POST HAVE BEEN DISABLED.